on friday, three-judge panel ruled obama had improperly asserted the senate was in recess even though it was technically and pro-forma sessions. if upheld, the ruling to bring an end to the practice of recess appointments for all future presidents. two senators have announced they will not seek reelection next year's midterm. saxby chambliss of georgia is stepping down rather than potentially face a primary challenge from the party to party wing. chambliss has faced criticism from afar republicans for working with democrats on a bipartisan debt as a plan. from across the aisle, democratic senator tom harkin of iowa has announced his retirement after five terms in office. he served in washington for 40 years, previously as a member of congress. president obama has tapped longtime aide dennis mckenna to become his new white house chief of staff. obama made the announcement friday. >> he has been one of my closest and most trusted advisers, president to campaign, on my transition team. he has been an indispensable member of my national security team as well. dennis has played a key role